iSimPlan has been specifically designed to ensure that individuals using it can do so easily. The software is highly intuitive, resulting in minimal software navigation training being required by new users. Let’s take a closer look;

The Workflow

The iSimPlan workflow is as simple and straight forward as the system itself. The data from your organizations’ ERP or other data source is pulled into iSimPlan, the data is used to perform all the calculations required for planning, the results of which iSimPlan displays to the user. The user can then make planning decisions based on the data displayed.

The Dashboard

This is the first page a user will see when they sign in to iSimPlan. It gives the user an overview of buffer statuses across all buffered items in the supply chain. Capacity at important work centers can also be monitored on this page. In addition, your organization can view important supply chain metrics, such as predicted customer services levels based on the current buffer statuses and inventory levels.

This page is customizable for the organization, the metrics displayed will vary depending specific organizations’ requirements.

The Planning Table

On the Planning Table Page users view the status of the inventory buffers, supply, and demand details for all items in iSimPlan. Items selected for DDMRP Planning are displayed in the Planning Table. Items in the Planning Table are ranked in order of Planning Priority (based on percentage of the planning buffer remaining), with those items most in need of attention at the top of the Planning Table.

Planners are directed to replenish inventory (in specific quantities) where buffer levels are breached. Where buffer levels are excessive, planners can look in detail at the supply for that item and take corrective action to reduce supply. Order suggestions are calculated to maintain the available stock/net flow positions for buffered items at optimum levels. The net flow position is calculated using supply for the item, on hand inventory, and any qualified demand for the item.

The Planned Item Details

The Planned Item Page contains eight panels in which information necessary for making informed planning decisions for the item are displayed. These panels include all supply and demand data for the planned item, the bill of materials for the item, buffer details and buffer parameters.

Where documents for supply and/or demand (e.g.: purchase and/or sales orders) exist, the information contained within these documents can be viewed for the Planned Item from within the above panels. This detail provides planners with all the data they need to ensure that inventory buffers for every item remain at optimal levels.

The Execution Table

On the Execution Table Page users can view buffer statuses and alert details for all buffered items in iSimPlan. Execution action suggestions for Planned Items are displayed in the Execution Table. Items in the Execution Table are ranked in order of Execution Priority (based on percentage of the execution buffer remaining and alert status), with those items most in need of attention at the top of the Execution Table. Execution staff can identify instances where the organizations’ firm supply (i.e. inventory on hand, purchase orders, manufacturing orders, etc.) is not capable of supporting the required inventory levels in the current time frame and action is required to move the supply into the correct time frame to maintain flow of materials.

The Planned Item Execution Details

The Execution Item Page contains seven panels in which information necessary for making informed execution decisions for the item are displayed. These panels contain details for current and future demand, current supply and buffer details for the item.

Where documents for supply and/or demand (e.g.: purchase and/or sales orders) exist, the information contained within these documents can be viewed on for the Item being viewed from within the above panels. This detail provides staff responsible for execution with all the data they need to ensure that material flow is maintained.

Other Features

The features outlined in the previous sections are what makes iSimPlan DDMRP compliant, i.e.: having the minimum requirements to be certified by the Demand Driven Institute. At CLX we strive to provide your organization with tools above and beyond those required to run a demand driven supply chain. Tools that will enhance your demand driven experience and ensure that your organization attain optimal inventory levels in the shortest possible time frame.

Within iSimPlan we offer your organisation the ability to incorporate Budgets and Forecasts as an alternative method of calculating the Average Daily Usage of items, which is the basis of your planning buffers. These features will allow you to refine your planning to ensure buffers are in line with your organizations’ inventory strategy and makes the comparison of budget and forecast data to actual demand for specific items within your supply chain possible. Reports can be generated by iSimPlan for any data contained within it, this functionality is designed specifically for upper management to be able to monitor the efficacy of the Demand Driven processes within your organization, and to identify areas where supply chain processes can be improved to achieve flow.

The question you should now be asking yourself is ‘How do I start my Demand Driven Journey?’.

At CLX we have leveraged decades of supply chain system implementation experience to create a unique process to guide you and your organization on the road to supply chain simplicity.
Let us show you how we can help you to ensure the success of your shift to a Demand Driven supply chain with iSimPlan.